Hadith #5436

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Longing [for Allah] is the intimate companion of the Gnostics.

This profound statement highlights the significance of yearning and longing for Allah in the spiritual journey of the Gnostics, the true knowers of Allah.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (shawk) "شَّوْقُ" refers to a deep and intense longing or yearning. It is a state of the heart that is filled with a burning desire to be close to Allah and to attain His pleasure. The word (khulsan) "خُلْصانُ" means an intimate companion or a close friend. It signifies a deep and profound relationship that is based on sincerity and loyalty.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and longing for Allah's pleasure. It assures us that those who sincerely yearn for Allah will be guided to His ways.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the close relationship between longing for Allah and attaining His guidance. It reaffirms that those who sincerely yearn for Allah will be blessed with His guidance and support.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. The Gnostics, or the true knowers of Allah, are those who have reached a high level of spiritual understanding and closeness to Allah. They have purified their hearts and souls through their unwavering devotion and longing for Allah. Their yearning for Allah becomes their constant companion, guiding them on the path of righteousness and enlightenment.

The Gnostics recognize that true fulfillment and contentment can only be found in the proximity of Allah. Their longing for Him becomes the driving force behind their actions and intentions. It motivates them to strive for excellence in their worship, to seek knowledge, and to engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards others. Their yearning for Allah shapes their character and transforms their lives.

Moreover, the intimate companionship between longing and the Gnostics is a reflection of the profound impact that yearning for Allah has on their spiritual journey. It is through this intense longing that they are able to transcend the limitations of the material world and connect with the Divine. Their yearning becomes a means of spiritual elevation and enlightenment, leading them closer to Allah's pleasure and His infinite mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of longing for Allah in our spiritual journey. It reminds us that true fulfillment and closeness to Allah can only be attained through sincere and intense yearning. The Gnostics, the true knowers of Allah, understand the profound impact that longing has on their relationship with Him. They recognize that their yearning becomes their constant companion, guiding them on the path of righteousness and enlightenment. May we all strive to cultivate a deep longing for Allah and may it become our intimate companion on the journey towards His pleasure.